Oklahoma Co. Sheriff's Office Deputy Accused Of Domestic Violence, Suspended From Duties

A deputy with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office has been charged with domestic violence.

The law officer was accused of hitting the mother of his one-month-old baby while she was holding the infant last month.

Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Antonio Simpson Junior was suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation. Prosecutors charged Simpson this week with one count of domestic assault while in the presence of a minor child.

Police arrested the 32-year-old man in May at his northwest Oklahoma City home. The arrest affidavit stated Simpson and his girlfriend were drinking when an argument broke out. 

The woman told officers she was in the living room watching television and had their one-month-old baby in a sling when Simpson confronted her.

According to court papers, Simpson was upset his girlfriend did not want to be intimate that night. The victim said Simpson threw away her drink and then hit her in the face with a closed fist. Police noted the victim had a visible knot on her forehead. The woman left the room with the baby and went into a bedroom with her five-year-old child. Simpson allegedly broke down the bedroom door by punching a hole in the door. 

Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office officials quickly responded to the deputy’s arrest.

“As soon as this agency found out about it, he was immediately suspended,” said Aaron Brilbeck, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office.

Brilbeck said on Thursday that Simpson was hired as a deputy in June 2015. His most recent role was serving civil warrants. Before that, Simpson worked at the Oklahoma County Courthouse providing security and as a school resource officer at an Edmond middle school. Simpson's duties are now on hold.

“Anytime a deputy draws attention like this it’s disappointing,” said Brilbeck. Simpson also worked as a courtesy officer where he lives. Property management said they had to let him go after learning of the domestic assault charge.

Simpson's charge is a misdemeanor. He does not have any court appearances scheduled at this time.